Blood Pressure
Heale Medical Primary Care
Blood Pressure: Overview
Blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. It is typically measured in two values:
- Systolic Pressure: The pressure when the heart pumps blood (top number).
- Diastolic Pressure: The pressure when the heart is at rest between beats (bottom number).
Maintaining healthy blood pressure is crucial for overall health, as imbalances can lead to severe health conditions.
Pros of Monitoring Blood Pressure
- Early Detection of Health Issues
Regular monitoring helps identify conditions like hypertension (high BP) or hypotension (low BP) early, preventing complications. - Risk Management
BP readings can assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and kidney failure, allowing for timely intervention. - Guides Treatment
Accurate BP measurements help doctors adjust medications and lifestyle recommendations effectively. - Promotes Awareness
Monitoring encourages individuals to adopt healthier habits, such as reducing salt intake, exercising, and managing stress. - Convenience of Home Monitoring
With portable devices, individuals can monitor their BP regularly without needing frequent doctor visits.
Cons of Monitoring Blood Pressure
- Misinterpretation of Results
Lack of understanding about what constitutes normal BP can lead to unnecessary anxiety or overconfidence. - White-Coat Syndrome
Some people experience higher BP readings in clinical settings due to stress, potentially leading to misdiagnosis. - Inaccuracy in Devices
Home BP monitors may not always provide accurate readings if they are poorly calibrated or used incorrectly. - Over-Monitoring Risks
Constant checking can lead to unnecessary worry or obsession, particularly in individuals with health anxiety. - Environmental Influences
Factors like caffeine, physical activity, or emotional states can cause temporary BP fluctuations, which may misrepresent long-term trends.
Conclusion
Monitoring blood pressure is a critical aspect of managing health, especially for those at risk of hypertension or cardiovascular diseases. While it offers numerous benefits, such as early detection and treatment guidance, it is essential to interpret readings correctly and avoid over-reliance on imperfect devices. Combining regular BP monitoring with professional medical advice ensures a balanced approach to health management.
Heale Medical Primary Care Doctors
DR. SARAH PARK, M.D.
Dr. Park completed the Bachelor of Science / Doctor of Medicine program at Northeastern Ohio Medical University. She completed an internal medicine residency at Case Western Metro Health in Cleveland, Ohio, and is Internal Medicine board-certified physician. Dr. Park has 10 years of experience and prior to starting at Heale Medical, she worked in academic medicine as well as hospitalist work. Her focuses include preventative care and women’s health. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, exercise and spending time with her husband and two children. She also likes to volunteer at church and with various global health organizations.
DR. STEPHANIE NG, D.O.
Dr. Stephanie Ng completed her undergraduate studies at University of New England in Maine after serving as a medic in the US Army for four years. She graduated with a degree in Medical Biology and began working in the biotech/pharmaceutical field as a research assistant. She attended the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Internal Medicine Residency program with the US Army in El Paso, TX. Upon completion of her program, she was assigned to the largest American hospital outside of the US in Germany.
During her time there, she worked as a primary care physician until she was deployed to Afghanistan as a Battalion Surgeon with the 2nd Cavalry Infantry unit. With the help of her medics and PA, she ran a sick call clinic for her soldiers, attended to minor traumas, provided medical training/education to the combat medics as well as organized a Flu vaccination clinic and Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment Day alongside her Physical Therapist. Throughout her career she had worked in various positions to include hospitalist, primary care and urgent care.
Her medical interests include preventive healthcare, integrative medicine, OMT and aesthetics. Dr. Ng is fluent in Spanish as well.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her children, traveling, watching movies, dancing and having adventures where ever life takes her!
JOSHUA MONTGOMERY, CERTIFIED PHYSICAN ASSISTANT (PA)
Joshua Montgomery is certified physician assistant (PA)and graduate of Shenandoah University’s PA program. He most recently completed his Doctorate of Medical Science degree from Shenandoah University. Joshua also holds a Master of Public Health degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and worked many years in public health before becoming a PA.
His professional interest lies in preventative medicine, particularly biopsychosocial connection for chronic disease prevention and management, as well interest in Men’s health.
In addition, Joshua serves on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Association of Minority PAs as well as the nccPA Health Foundation.
In his free time, Joshua enjoys sports especially basketball and football. He also enjoys live music events, food festivals, and exploring nice outdoor parks.
Heale Medical Primary Care
8300 Boone Boulevard
Suite 150
Vienna, VA 22182
